Abigail Hay

Miss
Abigail
Hay

PhD Student
The Pirbright Institute
Biography

Originally from the Scottish Highlands, Abigail graduated with a first class MSci (Hons) Genetics and Immunology undergraduate degree from The University of Aberdeen in June 2018. During her undergraduate studies Abigail undertook a year-long industrial placement with Medimmune Ltd in Cambridge, UK. Abigail is currently studying for her PhD with The Pirbright Institute and The University of Southampton under the supervision of Professor John Hammond and Professor Salim Khakoo. She is investigating whether BoLA (bovine MHC molecules) are ligands for cattle NK cell KIR receptors and what impact genetic variation within BoLA and KIR has on receptor ligand interaction and downstream immune activation. Abigail has a passion for public engagement and enjoys speaking to the public about her research. She also enjoys inspiring the next generation of young scientists and has recently started working at afterschool science clubs delivering fun and hands on activities to primary school children.

Research interests

NK Cells, MHC, Cattle, Immunogenetics, Innate Immunity, Immunology, agriculture, food security, animal breeding, genetics